Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Africa, Volume XVIII

191. Telegram From the Consulate General at Rabat to the Department of State¹

Rabat, May 2, 1956—4 p.m.

410. Balafrej angry reaction reported Tangier 499² regrettable but not surprising. In Contel 396³ we stated his assumption of foreign affairs would mean exactly that, which remains true not withstanding any French or US reluctance to accord him prompt and full recognition. None of us who has lived in French-controlled territories for long periods is likely underestimate need for keeping on good terms with French (or difficulty of doing so), but I have grave doubts as to advisability getting off to bad start with Moroccans merely to please French on short term basis. If France could hold area for West, Moroccan displeasure with US would be of lesser consequence (except of course with respect to US interests) but I have yet to meet anyone really familiar with this situation who is sure France can do so.

Content and tone of Balafrej remarks to our Chargé d’Affaires should not be considered mere bluster. To so consider them would be great error. He is one of group of most determined nationalists who have taken everything French could throw at them (which was plenty) for at least 15 years. They are now emerging as government with generally pro-Western outlook. This outlook will either be confirmed or will be radically altered during critical months ahead depending on welcome or lack of it accorded them by Western nations, especially US.

For these reasons I hope Department will find it possible recast its approach to this problem. Otherwise, Moroccan esteem for US, carefully nurtured and rebuilt by Holmes despite most difficult circumstances of recent past, will quickly disappear with rather obvious consequences.

Porter

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 671.00/5–256. Confidential; Priority. Also sent to Tangier and repeated to Paris, London, Casablanca, Algiers, and Tunis.
2. As a consequence of a diplomatic convention concluded between France and Morocco on May 19, which became effective May 28, Morocco assumed control of its external affairs. However, even in advance of this concord, the Moroccan Government appointed Ahmed Balafrej to be Foreign Minister on April 26. Telegram 499 from Tangier, May 2, reported that Balafrej made his displeasure known to C. Vaughan Ferguson, Jr., the Chargé at Tangier, that the United States had not recognized his new status. Balafrej warned against U.S. delay in affording him official recognition. (Ibid., 611.75/5–256)
3. Telegram 396, April 26, concluded that Balafrej would, in fact, be in effective control of foreign affairs. He was described as a friend of the West, but someone whom it might be difficult to keep so disposed without disturbing the French. (Ibid., 771.00/4–2556)